Inconsiderate neighbours smoking the cannabis inside their own homes is a common problem across Britain.

Whether you are aware of it or not, a waft of the pungent smell can be off-putting to say the least.

But what do you do if you think the people who live next door could be common cannabis users or could even be growing the popular drug in their home?

Our friends at the Derby Telegraph and DevonLive have issued guidance and outlined what you can do if you suspect the drug is being used near your home.

Can people smoke cannabis in their own homes legally?

There’s an urban myth that you’re allowed to smoke cannabis on private property - but it is completely untrue.

A Derbyshire police spokeswoman said: "The possession of cannabis is an offence and will be dealt with by police.

"It is a widespread issue across the county and we are focusing our resources to target those connected with the cultivation and dealing of the drug to help crackdown on the issue.

"We would encourage anyone who suspects drug activity in their community to contact us."

If you think your neighbours are smoking cannabis, what is the law? (Image: Getty Images)

If I call the police, will my neighbours find out?

Police say that your neighbours would not find out that you’ve tipped them off.

The police spokeswoman said: "We wouldn’t say information has come from a neighbour as that narrows it down. We’d just say we received a call about x."

She added that officers on patrol sometimes use tip-offs to decide which areas they’ll patrol. If they were to smell the cannabis themselves, they might knock on the door and broach the subject that way.

She advised the best way for people to remain anonymous is to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

How about if they're renting? What about telling my neighbour's landlord?

A spokesman for the National Landlords Association, said that, if landlords suspect cannabis use, they should "arrange for a visit to the property, provided they have given the tenant advance warning".

He added: "If they see or smell what they believe to be evidence of cannabis use, they should remind and warn the tenants that such actions are in violation of the tenancy agreement. If, when they next visit the property, they see the same evidence they may then wish to resort to serving a section 21, or eviction, notice."

Inconsiderate neighbours smoking the cannabis inside their own homes is a common problem across Britain (Image: PA)

I am the landlord. What can I do to stop cannabis being used at my property?

Chris Norris, of the National Landlords Association, said: "While we recommend taking references of prospective tenants from former employers or landlords before offering a tenancy, it can also be necessary to make checks on the property after they have moved in.

"These should be carried out quarterly if there are any concerns but make sure that you give the tenant or tenants sufficient notice beforehand so as not to disrupt privacy.

"Lastly, get to know the neighbours and local residents, as they can help alert you should they either see or smell what they suspect to be cannabis use on the property."